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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at AIC-SKU Confederation

AIC SKU

Introduction

India’s startup ecosystem is growing exponentially, with incubators playing a pivotal role in transforming ideas into scalable businesses. Among these, the AIC-SKU Confederation stands out as a premier incubation hub, nurturing early-stage startups with mentorship, funding, and access to national and global networks.

Supported under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), AIC-SKU Confederation is dedicated to helping innovators overcome the initial hurdles of entrepreneurship. By providing structured funding, technical support, and business guidance, it enables startups to convert their innovative ideas into market-ready products and sustainable ventures.

This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at AIC-SKU Confederation, including eligibility criteria, application steps, benefits, and success stories.

1. About AIC-SKU Confederation

The AIC-SKU Confederation is part of the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) network, established with the objective of promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship across India. It is associated with Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada University (SKU) and focuses on supporting startups in agriculture, technology, and rural innovation, aligning with the government’s vision of inclusive growth.

The incubator provides a comprehensive ecosystem that includes mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, industry connections, legal and financial guidance, and seed funding. Its mission is to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and successful commercialization, particularly in sectors that impact rural and semi-urban India.

AIC-SKU Confederation has successfully incubated over 100 startups, helping them secure funding, achieve product-market fit, and scale operations both nationally and internationally.

2. Overview of the Seed Fund Program

Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), AIC-SKU Confederation provides financial support to early-stage startups in two main ways:

  • 💡 Grant Support up to ₹20 Lakhs:
    This is aimed at startups needing funding for proof-of-concept, prototype development, and product trials.

  • 🚀 Seed Funding up to ₹50 Lakhs:
    Offered as debt or convertible instruments for startups moving towards commercialization and market entry.

The scheme ensures that promising ideas receive the necessary financial boost to transition from concept to commercial success. Funding is typically released in milestone-based installments, ensuring accountability and steady progress.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for seed funding under AIC-SKU Confederation, startups must meet the following criteria:

  1. ✅ DPIIT Recognition:
    The startup must be recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

  2. ✅ Company Incorporation:
    Must be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm.

  3. ✅ Age of Startup:
    The startup should be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.

  4. ✅ Annual Turnover:
    Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year.

  5. ✅ Innovation & Scalability:
    The product, service, or process must be innovative and demonstrate potential for market scalability.

  6. ✅ Ownership:
    At least 51% of shareholding must be held by Indian promoters.

  7. ✅ Sector Preference:
    Startups in agriculture, agri-tech, rural innovation, clean technology, and tech-enabled solutions are given priority.

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Seed Fund at AIC-SKU Confederation is a systematic process designed to ensure that only high-potential startups are selected.

Step 1: Register on Startup India Portal

Create an account on www.startupindia.gov.in and obtain DPIIT recognition for your startup.

Step 2: Select AIC-SKU Confederation as Your Incubator

While applying for the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, choose AIC-SKU Confederation as your incubator.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

The application requires:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • DPIIT Recognition Certificate

  • Detailed Pitch Deck

  • Business Plan and Market Research

  • Founder/Team Profiles

  • Financial Statements (if available)

  • Fund Utilization Plan

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit your application online through the Startup India portal or AIC-SKU Confederation’s official portal.

Step 5: Screening & Shortlisting

The incubator evaluates applications for eligibility, innovation potential, and scalability. Shortlisted startups are invited for pitching sessions.

Step 6: Evaluation & Pitch

Startups present their ideas to a panel of mentors, investors, and domain experts. Evaluation is based on innovation, market opportunity, team capability, and scalability.

Step 7: Fund Disbursement

Selected startups receive funding in milestone-based tranches, ensuring steady progress and accountability.

5. Benefits of Joining AIC-SKU Confederation

Startups incubated at AIC-SKU Confederation receive a range of benefits that extend beyond financial support:

  1. 💰 Access to Seed Funding:
    Funding up to ₹50 lakhs to develop prototypes, test products, and scale operations.

  2. 🧠 Expert Mentorship:
    Guidance from successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and academic experts.

  3. 🏢 Infrastructure Support:
    Access to co-working spaces, labs, and research facilities.

  4. 🌍 Networking Opportunities:
    Connect with investors, corporates, government agencies, and other startups.

  5. 📚 Workshops & Training:
    Sessions on business strategy, fundraising, IP management, marketing, and operations.

  6. 🧩 Technical Assistance:
    Assistance in product design, development, testing, and commercialization.

  7. 🌱 Sectoral Focus:
    Special emphasis on agriculture, rural development, and technology-driven solutions ensures targeted growth.

6. Focus Sectors at AIC-SKU Confederation

AIC-SKU Confederation supports startups working in the following sectors:

  • AgriTech and Rural Innovation

  • Clean & Renewable Energy

  • Food Processing & Supply Chain Solutions

  • Technology-driven Education Solutions

  • HealthTech and MedTech

  • AI, IoT, and Smart Solutions

This wide range of focus areas ensures that both technology-driven and socially impactful startups receive comprehensive support.

7. Success Stories

Over the years, AIC-SKU Confederation has helped numerous startups achieve growth, funding, and market success. Some notable examples include:

  • AgriLink Innovations: Providing precision farming solutions to smallholder farmers, improving yields and efficiency.

  • RuralTech Labs: Tech solutions aimed at rural education and connectivity.

  • GreenEnergy Solutions: Clean energy startup that has scaled operations across multiple districts in Gujarat.

These success stories highlight how AIC-SKU Confederation helps transform ideas into impactful ventures that make a difference.

8. Contact Information

📍 AIC-SKU Confederation
Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada University,
Krushi Farm Campus, Gujarat, India

📧 Email: info@aicsku.org
🌐 Website: www.aicsku.org
📞 Phone: +91-02764-123456

9. Conclusion

The AIC-SKU Confederation offers an invaluable platform for innovators, especially in agriculture and technology-driven sectors. By combining financial assistance, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge infrastructure, it helps startups move from ideation to commercialization efficiently.

For entrepreneurs with a focus on rural innovation, agri-tech, or technology-enabled solutions, AIC-SKU Confederation is the perfect incubator to turn your vision into a reality.

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, combined with the resources and guidance of AIC-SKU, ensures that your startup is not just funded, but also strategically positioned for growth and long-term success.